Specializing in Private Tours of Israel and Israel's Lesser Known
Tourist Attractions, the Gems.

Specializing in Private Tours of Israel and Israel's Lesser Known Tourist Attractions, the Gems.

A Brief Chronology of Wine Making in Israel

According to the book of Genesis the first thing Noah did, after disembarking from the ark was to plant a vineyard. Gen:20-21, “And Noah began to be an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard: And
he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent.” As part of the Mediterranean region, Israel lies in one of the oldest wine producing areas of the world.

Viticulture is at its best between 30 and 48 degrees north. In Israel, this means between 31-33 degrees north, from the Dead Sea to Dan. In The Fruit of the Vine: Viticulture in Ancient
Israel Carey Ellen Walsh writes, “Viticulture was practiced throughout Israelite history quite simply because it both thrived in the environment and offered worthwhile social and economic
benefits to the society.”

3500-3000 BCE- Evidence of viticulture found in Jericho, Lachish and Arad

1516-1917 - During Ottoman rule, Muslim law prevented Jews and Christians from manufacturing wine. During this time, it was only permitted to make ‘house wine’ – which enabled non-Muslims to
continue using wine during religious ceremonies etc.

1848 - First recorded winery opens in Old City of Jerusalem, by Rabbi Schorr

1870 - Efrat Winery founded by Tepersers Family

1870 - Mikveh Israel Agricultural School established. They planted vines, taught viticulture, and built a winery and one of the largest wine cellars of the day. The first to European varietals
were used here.

1906 - At the behest of Rothschild, a growers’ cooperative is established, the Societe Co-operative Vigneronnes de Grandes Caves Richon le Zion & Zichron Yaacov Ltd., (Agudat Ha’Kormim). The
wineries are deeded to the growers at a nominal price.